Sorry, TMI, but how do you teach a child to wipe their own bottom?

[gemmummy]

That's it really. DS is nearly 3, dry during day, nappy pants at night. How old before I teach him to do this? Totally clueless I'm afraid. Thanking you all ever so much.

I will also be interested in the answers. DD is 2.3 and wants to do everything herself, but is nowhere near managing this.

I really don't think their arms are log enough!! HONESTLY!! Try it, they really can't reach I'm sure. :)

sorry long

Not sure if this will help, as my son was quite a bit older before he pooped on the toilet.

I started by tearing off the toilet roll for him and folding it. I then got him to hold his hand flat out, with his thumb at a right-angle and I then placed the toilet paper over his hand and told him to clamp his thumb over it. Little ones have a problem with holding the paper sometimes before they even get it to their bum.

Once he had mastered that and could hold the paper flat in his hand, I then encouraged him to wipe and then check the paper before he threw it into the toilet.

We had a few problems to start with as he would wipe the toilet rol partly up his back and sometimes not check the paper to see if he had wiped fully.

Its trial and error, but don't worry too much - 2.3 is quite young to be able to master this.

thanks for replies ladies, am I worrying about it a little bit too early then? That's good to know! Cheers all! It's hard first time round isn't it, I don't know my arse from my elbow sometimes. It will be easier next time I'm sure!

I agree about arm length,my dd is 3y3m and has been out of nappies day and night since 24m,but she can't quite manage the reaching yet.My older dd was three and three quarters before she could start to learn.

My DD is 3y6m and she is very keen to do it herself. At home I let her have a go, but I always have a wipe after to check as she often misses bits. However it's good practice, and she refuses to let nursery staff help, so she needs it!!

What lucy said

Going through this with DD who just turned 4 and just hadn't got it. Wees weren't bad, but she kept smearing poos. I have literally talked her through every stage and cerbalised what it feels like adn what to do at each stage - press at the bit where the poo comes out. Front to back. don't go much past the bit where it comes out...

Seems TMI but definately worth it as she is getting it now. When I do the final check there is nothing left nowadays.

I give a huge dose of praise which is very motivating for her

hey thanks all, it's a dull old topic so thank you for taking the time to reply.